Red Sox reinstate Michael Wacha from IL to start vs. Mariners

The Boston Red Sox improved to 16-22 overall on the season via Thursday's 12-6 win over the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park and shared some good news with fans before Friday's encounter with those same Mariners. 

Per the official MLB website, Boston reinstated right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Ryan Brasier to Triple-A Worcester ahead of Friday's game. According to ESPN and The Associated Press, Wacha will get the start against Seattle on Friday evening. 

Wacha initially hit the IL back on May 8 with what was referred to as "left intercostal irritation" after he reported soreness during a bullpen session. When healthy, the 30-year-old began the campaign as one of Boston's top starters, as he accumulated a 3-0 record, a 1.38 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP across five starts. 

Brasier went 0-2 with a 6.28 ERA in 18 appearances with the big-league club this spring before Friday's development. He surrendered a solo home run in the ninth inning of Thursday's victory. 

The Red Sox will head into the weekend a full 12 games back of the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East standings. Meanwhile, the 17-22 Mariners trail the first-place Houston Astros in the AL West by eight games.